Stay in your lane, Govt tells NGOs

Locadia Mavhudzi Midlands Correspondent
GOVERNMENT has criticised non-governmental organisations (NGOs) meddling in politics, saying they should stay in their lane of non-partisan development work in their communities of operation.

Speaking at the recent NGO Directors’ Summer School held in Kadoma recently, Principal Director in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Mr Clifford Matorera said the Government was concerned over political activists masquerading as NGOs and seeking to cause violence and disunity among people in both urban and rural communities.

“Government is aware that there are some amongst you with political agendas. If you want to join politics, you should form a political party. Such people are disturbing the peace in the country,” he said.

Mr Matorera said NGOs must use their resources for their intended purpose rather than for political mileage.

“We have also noted that the selection of beneficiaries in your areas of operation has become a source of conflict. Some are now selecting beneficiaries along political party lines.

“We are now reviewing the process to ensure openness and transparency,” he said.

“Those who are in charge of distributing resources are now doing that in a questionable manner. It also applies even to Government workers.

“We have often seen items intended to benefit people being sold on the market or distributed to relatives. That is bad practice and it compromises the integrity of Government workers.”

Mr Matorera said NGOs and Government workers that are found wanting must be reported to the ministry for the benefit of the vulnerable people.

He said the Government was reviewing the Public Service Act to improve public social accountability.

“We have experienced high cases of corruption in the civil service and hence we are now tightening the Public Service Act and a Public Finance Bill is also on the cards to improve public finance management while combating corruption,” said Mr Matorera.

The NGO Directors’ Summer School is an annual interactive event and it was held under the theme, “Fortifying inclusive spaces and partnerships for sustainable development”.